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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/03/2018Approved June 7, 2018 1 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 3, 2018 Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, May 3, 2018, 7:00 PM Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Absent: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Chair Partridge Commissioner Tankha Staff: Assistant Planner Erin Horan, Consultant Planner Steve Padovan, Senior Planner Marni Moseley, Planning Technician Cody Einfalt 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Chair Partridge opened presentations from the floor. Lisa Souza, Los Altos Hills, addressed the Planning Commission regarding her concern about how the Town has not been maintaining its required amount of public land designated through open space easements. Seeing that no one else wished to speak, Chair Partridge closed presentation from the floor. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS Ex Parte: Commissioner Basiji spoke with Simon Yiu and Steven Sept. Commission Mandle spoke with Construction Supervisor Todd Patterson, Simon Yiu, Steven Sept, and Neal Mielke. Commissioner Couperus spoke to no one, and Chair Partridge did not have any disclosures. 3.1 LANDS OF SEGO & ZHUO; 13140 Avila Court; File #436-17-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development permit for a landscape screening plan for a previously approved two-story residence. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b) - Minor alterations to land - new landscaping (Staff: Erin Horan). Approved June 7, 2018 2 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 3, 2018 Assistant Planner Erin Horan presented the staff report. The Commission asked questions and received responses. The Commission discussed the size and color of the large exterior wall of the house and the vast use of glass on the outside of the building. The also discussed the amount of light that would come out of the residence from the second story glass hallway. Chair Partridge opened the PUBLIC HEARING Chris Yates, landscape architect, spoke regarding the intent of the second story deck of the house. He explained that the deck would not be used for parties but rather for a vegetable garden and relaxation. He explained that he placed landscaping wherever he could to mitigate the impact of the large wall, but believed the proposed arch of olive trees on the plans will suffice as good screening for the wall and second story deck. The Commission asked questions of Mr. Yates regarding the placement of the new trees and received responses. Mr. Yates added that he has since revised his plans since submission to the Planning Department and is proposing to add more trees than he originally stated in the landscaping plan. Carol Gottlieb, Environmental Design & Protection Committee, said that she thinks the proposed olive tree screening will not sufficiently screen the property and explained that the large wall is very visible from La Cresta Drive. Lisa Sousa, Los Altos Hills, spoke regarding the open space easements on the property. Mr. Yates, responded to the previous comments and said he is in agreement with adding more trees to screen the large wall. The Commission discussed the size of the wall and the paint color to blend the wall into the surroundings. Chair Partridge closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Basiji spoke regarding his involvement with the project and how he was not on the Commission when the house was approved in 2014. He questioned how such a large wall was approved for the residence. Moving forward, he stated that the wall is very visible and needs to be screened extensively. He said the material as well as the color of the wall needs to be discussed by the Commission. He spoke regarding the second story glass hallway and the impact the light would have on the neighbors and surrounding community. Commissioner Mandle, stated that she remembers discussing the wall back in 2014 and how controversial it was at the time. She said the wall needs to be Approved June 7, 2018 3 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 3, 2018 addressed and that the Commission should condition the exterior material and Light Reflectivity Value (LRV) of the wall's color. She stated that the proposed landscape screening plan will do the job, but only if the house is panted a darker color. She explained she would like to see native species of plants and trees planted so that the landscaping will not die off in the future. Commissioner Couperus stated that he also remembers the discussion of the wall when the house came to the Planning Commission in 2014. He spoke about LRV values and how the material of the wall must be addressed. He stated that the visual impact of the house off Deer Creek is concerning. He acknowledged that screening the large wall will be a tricky issue because the architecture of the structure does not fit in with the rural nature of the Town. Chair Partridge stated that he thinks the property needs more screening at the turnaround as well as in front of the large wall. He stated that the Planning Commission's approval should address the wall as much as possible to mitigate its visual impact. He explained that the wall needs to look as natural as possible to blend into its surroundings. Commissioner Basiji said the solution should be to make the material of the wall out of stone, screen the wall, and also hide the second story glass hallway to stop the reflection of the light into neighboring properties. Commissioner Mandle stated that the Commission needs to condition the material of the wall. Commissioner Couperus stated that the Commission needs to address the wall and condition the exterior material. The Commission should give the applicant a chance to pick a material for the wall that will address its visibility. He spoke about the glass hallway on the second story and said that this is a separate issue that also needs to be addressed. Mr. Yates stated that it was under his understanding that the Town knew that the material of the wall had been changed from stone to stucco since the project was approved by the Planning Commission in 2014. He asked the Commission if they were aware of the change, and if it was approved by the Commission. Staff explained that the approval for the change in external material happened while submitting to the building department and was never seen by the Planning Commission. Approved June 7, 2018 4 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 3, 2018 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Chair Partridge moved to continue the item to the June Planning Commission meeting to allow the applicant to address the color and texture of the large stucco wall and address possible ways to screen the light spillage from the second story glass hallway. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mandle. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Chair Partridge NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Tankha ABSTAIN: None 3.2 LANDS OF PROGRESSIVE CAPITAL, LLC; 25700 Bassett Lane; File #404- 17-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit to construct a new 5,750 square foot, two-story residence (maximum height 27') with a 771 square foot attached garage, a 2,231 square foot basement, a pool, and related hardscape improvements. The proposal includes a request to remove seven (7) heritage oak trees; CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family residence in a residential zone district (Staff: Steve Padovan). Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report. The Commission asked questions of staff and received responses. Chair Partridge opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Steven Stept, project architect, spoke regarding the layout of the site. He talked about the trees on the property and how his team tried their best to save as many trees on the property as possible. He explained that he changed the layout of the house several times to accommodate the existing trees and that the house is designed to fit seamlessly into the forest with its dark exterior colors and use of wood paneling. The Commission asked questions of the applicant and received responses. Commissioner Mandle asked questions of staff regarding supplemental item No. 2 that was submitted to the Town pertaining to this agenda item. The document was a letter written to the Planning Commission from a neighbor of the project. Commissioner Mandle asked questions regarding concerns that were brought up in the letter regarding temporary fencing, fencing in the setbacks, and if the land owner would share the cost of bringing internet to the property. Approved June 7, 2018 5 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 3, 2018 Commissioner Partridge commented on the supplemental document and spoke about traffic concerns and the impact that construction will have on the surrounding community. Commissioner Basiji stated that he visited the site and it was difficult for him to navigate the road in his truck. He explained he is aware of the traffic concerns for this construction project. Commissioner Couperus stated that he did read the supplemental document and does not take the concerns listed in the document lightly. He explained that the Town has rules protecting many of the concerns and they should be upheld. He asked staff questions about fencing on the property and if the Town can control fencing for future owners of the land. Simon Liu, the developer, said that he would share the cost of the internet service and provide temporary fencing to protect the neighbor's trees. Peter Nieh, Los Altos Hills, spoke regarding the property and the neighborhood concerns. He said that the overall structure of the house is very large and would impose on the neighbors' privacy. Chair Partridge asked Mr. Nieh about the traffic on Bassett Lane. Mr. Nieh explained that is a private road and he is concerned about large trucks causing harm to the roadway and sounding trees. Lisa Sousa, Los Altos Hills, spoke regarding her concern that construction trucks are using the emergency fire lane to access the project site. Carol Gottlieb, Environmental Design & Protection Committee, stated she thinks that the colors of the house changed since she last saw the project. She asked for the landscape screening plan to come back to the committee for review before approval. Mr. Stept responded to the questions about the project. He wished to point out that the project exceeds the front setback requirement and that the neighbors should not be concerned about privacy. Chair Partridge closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Couperus spoke regarding the roofline of the project. He explained that the architect has done a good job with articulation in the roofline. He believes the Commission can handle the fencing issues with the current land owner, but he would like the conditions the Commission imposes on the property to apply for future land owners as well. He explained that the exterior siding of the house should be a concern because the projects lies within a previously Approved June 7, 2018 6 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 3, 2018 designated Wildlife-Urban Interface zone (fire protection zone). He further stated that the architect has chosen wood siding for the structure and believes the material needs to be approved by the fire department as a precaution. He expressed his concern that the landscape screening plan for the project come back to the Planning Commission due to the fact that story poles can be misleading. Commissioner Mandle said she is comfortable with the design of the house. She acknowledged the effort put into the deign to save as many trees as possible and she is happy that additional tress are going to be planted. She thanked the developer for restricting the fencing on the property. She stated that a condition should be included to restrict fencing on the property in perpetuity. Commissioner Basiji stated he is impressed with the quality of the home. He explained that he is concerned with the mass of the structure but thanked the applicant for the additional 30 feet of setback they gave in the front of the house. He also expressed thanks for the effort made to save as many trees as possible. He said that the Commission needs to include strong language in the conditions to restrict fencing on the property for future land owners. Chair Partridge said he agrees with everything the Commission has said. He stated that he can see the difficulties associated with the site. He pointed out that the existing trees on the property will be an asset to the developer when it comes time to screen the home. He added that he likes the dark color of the house. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to approve the site development permit subject to the recommended conditions of approval in Attachment 1, with the added conditions that fencing is prohibited in the setbacks in perpetuity, temporary fencing be installed during construction to protect 26765 Basset Lane, both construction projects happening on Basset Lane occur at the same time, the use of the fire lane connecting Basset lane to Summit Road is prohibited, and a fencing prohibition shall be recorded on the property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Basiji. MOTION CARRIED: 4-0. AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Chair Partridge NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Tankha ABSTAIN: None 3.3 LANDS OF CHAN; 25136 LA LOMA DRIVE; FILE #148-17-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 7,001 square-foot two-story Approved June 7, 2018 7 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 3, 2018 residence with a 3,918 square foot basement, and pool (Maximum height 27'). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) and (e) (Staff- Marni Moseley). Senior Planner Marni Moseley presented the staff report. Chair Partridge opened the PUBLIC HEARING Edward Chan, property owner, spoke regarding the changes to the project from the last public hearing. Richard Manning, project architect, spoke regarding the redesign of the house. He explained that the design team took special care to the placement of the house in keeping the narrow side of the structure facing the street. He spoke about maintaining the style of the architecture the applicant desired while addressing the concerns of the overall height of the building. Chair Partridge closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Mandle, thanked the applicant for addressing the concerns brought up by the neighborhood and Commission at the last public hearing. She said that she visited the project site and can see the difference in height that was made with the story poles. Commissioner Basiji acknowledged that the architecture style of the house is boxy by nature. However, with the right exterior paint and sufficient landscaping the home will be very tasteful. Commissioner Couperus agreed with everything his fellow Commissioners said. He added that picking an exterior color for a house is always a tricky topic. Chair Partridge also agreed with his fellow Commissioners. He stated that the color of the house will be an important decision and that darker colors will help the applicant in the future when it comes time to address the landscape screening. He thanked the applicant for all the work that was done to address the Commission's concerns. Commissioner Mandle stated that it is important for this project to allow sufficient time for review so that neighbors can submit comments before the public hearing happens. Commissioner Basiji stated that screening this residence will be very important and he looks forward to seeing the landscape screening plan. Approved June 7, 2018 8 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 3, 2018 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Couperus moved to approve the Site Development permit with the recommended conditions of approval in attachment 1 The motion was seconded by Commissioner Basiji. MOTION CARRIED: 4-0 AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Chair Partridge NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Tankha ABSTAIN: None 4. OLD BUSINESS – None 5. NEW BUSINESS - None 6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for April 19 - Commissioner Tankha ` Commissioner Couperus spoke about a pathway easement that was accepted at the Council meeting 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for May 17 - Commissioner Mandle 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for June 21 - Commissioner Basiji 6.4 Planning Commission Representative for July 19 - Commissioner Couperus 6.5 Planning Commission Representative for August 16 - To Be Determined 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of March 1, 2018 minutes MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Basiji moved to approved the March 1, 2018 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mandle. MOTION CARRIED: 4-0. AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Approved June 7, 2018 9 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 3, 2018 Mandle, Chair Partridge NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Tankha ABSTAIN: None 7.2 Approval of April 5, 2018 minutes MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Basiji moved to approve the April 5, 2018 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mandle. MOTION CARRIED: 4-0 AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Chair Partridge NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Tankha ABSTAIN: None 8. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - APRIL 17 & MAY 1 8.1 LANDS OF LAM AND CHAN; 24100 Hillview Road; File #63-18-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a previously approved major addition. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) - new landscaping; (Staff-Erin Horan). 8.2 LANDS OF LAHDESMAKI; 13321 La Paloma Road; File #278-17-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e) Accessory structures including swimming pools; (Staff - Erin Horan) 8.3 LANDS OF BAVOR; 13816 Page Mill Road; File #19-18-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a previously approved residence and removal of one heritage oak tree. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) - new landscaping; (Staff-Marni Moseley). 8.4 LANDS OF ZHUANG & LIN; 14341 Liddicoat Circle; File #17-18-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a previously approved major addition. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) - new landscaping; (Staff-Erin Horan). Approved June 7, 2018 10 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 3, 2018 9. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - APRIL 24 9.1 LANDS OF WANG AND YU; 12735 Alto Verde Lane; File #208-17-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 4,367 square-foot two-story residence (Maximum height 27'). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family residence in a residential zone; (Staff-Marni Moseley). Commissioner Basiji was appointed to the subdivision committee for a meeting on May 22nd. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:55 PM Respectfully Submitted, Cody Einfalt Planning Technician The minutes of the May 3, 2018 Regular Planning Commission Meeting were approved as presented at the June 7, 2018 Regular Planning Commission Meeting.